The world is now online and the way we experience entertainment has shifted. We’re no longer confined to a few channels on television, traveling to a theater to watch a movie or browsing through a bookstore to find the perfect story. Now, our entertainment comes instantly with a click and a whole new generation of writers, actors and filmmakers have access to the incredibly huge audience on platforms like YouTube. One of the brightest talents emerging is a young comedic actress, Madison Brunoehler, well worth writing about for her acting ability alone, but the fact that she is skilled in costumes and make-up, and produces, edits and directs her own show every week makes her an absolute juggernaut of talent.

Madison Brunoehler is the creator of “Madi 2 the Max,” a web series featuring the hilarious antics of a slew of characters all played by Madi. There’s the overly cheerful Lucy, the goth chick ZAT, the overly zealous Italian fashionista Ramona, the nerdy Ernestina, the male Brucy, the robot K8 and Mr. Chico, played by Madi’s right hand. It’s amazing to watch these characters interact because you see how truly gifted Madison is as an actress. Her range is incredible, nailing every accent, mannerism and personality while delivering exceptional comedic timing. It’s a marvel to watch a single episode of her show when one thinks about the amount of dedication, passion and creativity that goes into each 2-3 minute video. Where most YouTubers kick their feet up in satisfaction, Madi pushes the limits of what is possible creatively and publishes some of the most original and ambitious programming online; all from the imaginings of one person.

In addition to “Madi 2 the Max” there’s also Madison’s popular “Diary of a Cat” videos which feature the actress with painted cat make-up, laying on a bed and formulating some of the funniest thoughts you’d ever imagine could come from a cat. Her portrayal of a dog is also hilarious. You can tell that Madi really enjoys what she’s making for her fans and when you discover her “Vlog Talk” videos you realize that she’s a fan herself. Her passion for what some would call “geek culture” but what many would just call “entertainment” is great to see. She talks about the books, music and films that mean something to her and why. When you listen to her explain her loves you know you are dealing with someone that truly understands the purpose of art and entertainment and it definitely translates into her own work.

Shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "Mad TV" were made for artists like Madison Brunoehler but in an era where a single YouTuber can harness the power of a few million subscribers, who needs a major television network? "Madi 2 the Max" is on its way to being a huge hit because it has a huge star in the making at the helm of it all. She’s already the winner of the 2013 “Best Web Series Acting Award” from the Filmmakers for a Better World Film Festival. Talent like Madi’s doesn’t come along too often and for it to land in this era with all of its possibilities, the sky is the limit, the stars are more than aligned and a red carpet follows everywhere this girl walks.

John Henry Soto grew up in the South Bronx aware that it was a harsh, dangerous landscape in the metropolis of New York City and decided to create a more uplifting vision for himself through art. At an early age Soto began writing, could play the guitar, and demonstrated a love for film. A few years later he started a band called "Glass of Know" which released several albums, received radio airplay and performed in many New York clubs. Music was Soto's first big love but his artistic expression soon found a newer, more exciting outlet in the world of acting and cinema.

Successful theater and film acting coach Ruth Kulerman took John Henry Soto under her wing and began working with him towards achieving a dynamic stage and screen ability which the actor used to gain immediate success. In his first 5 months of auditioning he landed 17 roles. Many of his films have been accepted and even nominated in many film festivals, including the Festival Internacional In Vitro Visual in Colombia, where Soto earned a nomination for Best Actor. He has continued to act but recently added screenwriting, producing, and directing to his credentials with his short film "The Coffee List."

Actors like John Henry Soto are unique because they can play practically any role. It is not a stretch to see Soto in a comedic role and then jump to a dramatic one. He takes a role and makes it his own, never letting anyone pigeon hole him into a stereotype and constantly breaks new ground by improving his craft. His YouTube videos are exciting to watch as he takes on meaty roles like Hannibal Lector or recreates a scene from "Chinatown." If you ever think you've got John Henry Soto figured out, he hits you with something new, something you don't see coming. What else can you expect from a guy that grew up in the streets of New York? Just like the Big Apple, John Henry Soto is complex, yet simple to grasp, and navigating through his life is like looking out from atop the Empire State Building and thinking, "awesome."

David Carus

I'm David Carus. From overcoming one of the most dangerous cities in the country and graduating from one of the most prestigious colleges in America to leading an educational movement as a teacher and running for Congress at the age of 25, I decided the best hope our world has is through art.

From my days at Georgetown University performing spoken word poetry to later recording hip hop music under my own record company to writing books such as "Hip Hop Will Save The World," I have created this website and blog to help positive-minded artists and creators be successful.www.DavidCarus.net